<p>I am a S applying to college this year. The early draft of his essay was way too long, so I've been monitoring this discussion on several threads. However, his GC (at one of the toughest prep schools around) feels that it is so unique and strong that even at 1100 words she doesn't think he should cut a word. She herself worked in admissions and feels the length thing isn't an issue if it's good. My S will have to send in the application on paper just to make sure the admissions person will see the whole thing. So, for what it's worth....</p>